How to Make Cold Brew
Fun fact: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® was one of the first coffee chains to brew and serve cold brew in our stores every day. Learn all you need to know about this delectable drink that always hits the spot, particularly during those balmy, sunny afternoons.
What You Will Need:
Coffee
Grinder (if coffee is not already ground)
French Press
Cold Water - Filtered
Brew Time
Approx. 20 Hours
How Does The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Make Their Cold Brew Coffee?
In the glory days of the 1970s The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® used and sold retail merchandise units of a Cold Brew Coffee System patented by a Cornell University grad. At the time we served the drink as “iced coffee,” but now we proudly use the term “cold brew” because we steep our cold brew coffee cold for 20 hours. Our cold brew coffee is so good it inspired our signature Ice Blended® drinks.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
If you don’t want to buy a Cold Brew Coffee Brewer you can still create this silky-smooth beverage at home with a French press and your choice of coffee beans. Grind your beans to a coarse grind, larger than a French press grind. Pour the grounds into the French press and fill the remainder with fresh filtered water.
Now wait and allow the cold brew to steep at room temperature for about 20 hours. After the long wait push that plunger down a few inches, check to ensure your screen and filter are in place, and then pour your cold brew into a cup or container.
What Is the Best Cold Brew Coffee to Water Ratio?
Depending on your personal preferences the ratio should be between 1:4 (for coffee dynamos) and 1:5 (for a standard cold brew). When brewing at home you can start with 3/4 cup of ground coffee and 4 cups of filtered water, and adjust future brews after you’ve taste-tested your first batch.
How Long Can You Keep Cold Brew?
Cold brew should taste excellent for a week, but around the 10-day mark you’ll start to notice the taste veer into uncomfortable, woody territory. After ten days you can dilute your cold brew with two parts water and feed it to your plants. But when you make your own cold brew using the methods of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® you’ll likely drink every drop well before 10 days go by.
Is Cold Brew Strong?
Yes! Cold brew is a concentrated, powerful beverage. Often when serving at home you can cut it 1:1 with cold water if it’s too strong. You can skip the at-home brewing process and stop by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for your next cup of Cold Brew. With a delicious Cold Brew in hand, you can fight that summer heat and fuel up for a day of dream chasing.
